A variety of organizations have developed standards that have informed the social studies curriculum. These content and performance standards can be applied to any grade level and are based on the ten themes of social studies as described by the National Council for the Social Studies. Use these standards to set the instructional goals that will begin the Backward Design process as part of Understanding by Design.
The National Council for Social Studies in its position statement, A Vision of Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies, stresses the need to develop critical thinking skills through disciplined inquiry as the foundation for all social studies instruction. Integral to this vision is the application of performance assessments that "enable students to demonstrate understanding by constructing knowledge through disciplined inquiry and critical thinking". The NCSS Performance Based Assessment Clearinghouse provides a rich assortment of authentic assessments that emphasize the creation of products through critical analysis and inquiry.
Disciplined Inquiry in the Social Studies:
Teaching and Learning must have Purpose
Learning Means In-Depth Understanding
Instruction Must Build on Students' Prior Knowledge
A variety of organizations have developed standards that have informed the social studies curriculum. These content and performance standards can be applied to any grade level and are based on the ten themes of social studies as described by the National Council for the Social Studies. Use these standards to set the instructional goals that will begin the Backward Design process as part of Understanding by Design.
The National Council for Social Studies in its position statement, A Vision of Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies, stresses the need to develop critical thinking skills through disciplined inquiry as the foundation for all social studies instruction. Integral to this vision is the application of performance assessments that "enable students to demonstrate understanding by constructing knowledge through disciplined inquiry and critical thinking". The NCSS Performance Based Assessment Clearinghouse provides a rich assortment of authentic assessments that emphasize the creation of products through critical analysis and inquiry.
Disciplined Inquiry in the Social Studies:
Teaching and Learning must have Purpose
Learning Means In-Depth Understanding
Instruction Must Build on Students' Prior Knowledge
People Learn Through Displined Inquiry
Teaching Means Scaffolding
Constructive Assessment
The National Archives
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/
National Council for History Education
http://www.nche.net/
National Center for History in the Schools
http://www.nchs.ucla.edu/front-page
Center for Civic Education
http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=stds
National Council for the Social Studies
http://www.socialstudies.org/
Activity 3 (Week 1)
Complete the attached Group Activity and Post it Below:
Alex, Doug, Jennifer, Monica
Chad, Kayla, Jeanne, Chris
Brandy, Samantha, Paul, Shanna
Amanda, Danae, Madeline, Ken